I have so fallen off this blog and I can’t even pretend to think that I am going to keep up on it like I did before. But during spiritual direction last week we discussed me doing things that I would want to do as an ordained person that I can do without being ordained, if that makes sense. So I know that one thing I would for sure want to do is write the prayers of the people and empower members of the congregation to do so as well. Because it is so hard and so easy to do this. It is a good spiritual practice for the week. So here is the one that I wrote for Palm Sunday. I am sure that I probably stole some lines from other places like the Book of Common Prayer and an alternative prayer I found on-line when I googled alternative prayers of the people. Let me know what you think and feel free to steal it and modify as you see fit!
As we journey this week with Christ and celebrate the paschal mystery of his death and resurrection, let us pray to God for all people’s everywhere.
We pray for your church; those with walls and those without. May we always remember that this is holy ground and you are calling your church to act in the world as caretakers and liberators. We pray for Justin the archbishop of Canterbury, Catherine our Presiding Bishop, Lawrence our Bishop, Michael and Christopher our priest, Pope Francis as he embarks on his new ministry and all ordained persons in your church that as they lead your people in the way of the cross they may also find strength.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for this nation. We pray for Barack, Joseph, Members of congress, state and local officials that they may keep the way of justice as their mantle. That they may work for the good of the people of this nation, this world, and this planet. We ask that you to help them to remember the power of reconciliation, partnership, and compromise.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer
We pray for the world. We pray for all who live in lands of conflict. For those who work to defend peace even when there seems to be no clear path. We pray for those who do not have the basic needs of life. For those who will not eat, sleep in shelter, have access to clean water, or feel the love of another. We give thanks for your servants who like Jesus travel into the darkest corners of the world to share your light. May we have the courage so to do.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for peace in our hearts, homes and lives. For peace in our communities, places of worship, and governments. For your light of peace to so inhabit our spirits that it shines bright.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer
We pray for this earth our island home. May we understand its gifts and use its resources rightly to the honor and glory of your name. That we may learn to live, work and play in harmony with creation, fully aware that your gift of dominion over this place is also a requirement of responsibility. And may we have the strength to act in our daily lives to preserve and restore this gift.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those who suffer any harm or danger. Especially those whom we speak aloud now or in our hearts.
May you shower them with your healing power to work through the pain. Help them to discern the next steps for their journey, surrendering to your will and trusting that you are God.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks. We are thankful for those who take risks so that the joy of your kingdom may be experienced here on earth. We give thanks for your beautiful creation, for the smell of flowers as they bloom, for the horizon of summer. We give thanks for families given to us and chosen by us. We give thanks for the gifts and talents of the people of this congregation. May we always have strength, courage and the will to share it with the world. We thank you for this gathering today and most importantly we thank you for your son Jesus Christ. May we walk with him this week in humility, hope, strength, and faith.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those that have died. We especially remember those lives lost in conflicts around the world and in our communities. We give thanks for those in our lives who now dwell with you, especially those we name aloud or in hearts at this time.
May the souls of the departed be at rest in you.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Pursuing Call 